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I have been trying to get into yoga for several years now. Try as I might, nothing sticks. I’ve tried purchasing several class packages to motivate me. I’ve set goals to try practicing once a month. I’ve gone to multiple classes, trying different types, instructors & locations. I just didn’t like yoga. Annnnd if we’re being completely honest, I still don’t really like it, but I have an appreciation for it. I think that’s what got me to enjoy it more, accepting that it’s not something I love, but settling into finding it acceptable. And who knows, maybe this will grow into love!

Practicing on my own
I didn’t realize one of the things I disliked most about yoga, was heading to classes where everyone already knew what they were doing (even those darned beginner classes!) and I was constantly comparing myself to them and trying to achieve the perfect pose instead of clearing my mind and just being. Being at home on my own is definitely my jam. I don’t worry about other people around me, I just do my thang!

Making it a daily practice (temporarily)
Getting myself to practice each and every day for 31 straight days, got me into a routine. I should have known from past experiences, things for me tend to stick best when I make them part of my routine. As the 31 days are over, I don’t intend to continue making it a daily practice, but my goal is to try for a practice once a week.

Combining it with meditation
Meditation has always been a goal of mine too. Which also hasn’t stuck 😉 I find that clearing my mind and focusing on my breath while doing yoga is a form of meditation. I’m sure some people may consider this cheating, but it works for me.

Honouring where I am each day
The yoga guru I have started following, Adriene, has a bit of a mantray, “Honour yourself where you are at today.” It seems simple enough, but it’s actually unknowingly powerful. I will admit to going through some days being insanely productive, easily checking off my to-do list and getting even more done. And other days, I don’t even get halfway through my list and I put myself down wondering why I suck and can’t just be super awesome every single day. But every day is different, energy levels are different, moods are different – life is ever changing. So taking a moment every single morning to feel out where I am, really helps set the tone for the day. It’s ok if I’m not on my A game 100% of the time. This was a pretty big breakthrough for me.

Loving my body
Not totally in love with my body, but I find this is helping me become a small step closer every time I practice a bit of yoga. I appreciate it more and find more kindness with myself. That’s a pretty cool thing.

And now that you’ve come alllll the way down this far of a post that you may find slightly boring (kudos if you’re still with me!), your reward is a cute picture of Sunny and a snail that she tried to be best friends with on our morning walk recently.

I’m hearing more and more lately of people wanting to prioritize self-care as a goal of theirs. The first time I heard it (probably over a year ago), I thought it was a little strange. But as time goes on, I’m starting to realize just how truly important this is and am making it more central to my daily activities.

Sometimes I get off track though, I’m sure you can understand. We get so busy, running around, rushing from appointments, errands, jobs/volunteer gigs – out of breath and tired. Having my surgery last week was the perfect time to “reset” and focus more on me.

I honestly feel like I can’t properly take care of others if I don’t care for me. So here are some things I’ve been doing to take care of myself.

Reading
I finished reading the Hand Maid’s Tale recently – great book, I picked up and read A Dog’s Purpose in less than 3-days- AMAZING! and am just settling in to read Between the World and Me). What books have you been enjoying lately?

Baths
Is there anything more relaxing than soaking in a body of warm water? Not for me! I usually just don’t have time and I feel super guilty since California has been in a severe drought for the past few years. But with all of the rain we’ve been getting (and because I couldn’t shower after my surgery for 5 days!), I have relaxed in some nice baths.

Listening
As I couldn’t watch tv for the first several days, I listened to some movies, but that got boring. A few friends suggested some Podcasts (like Mortified which is completely hilarious!) and I’m starting to get more into them. Do you listen to any? Which ones?

Yoga
This is something I have tried in the past, several times, and i never like it. I want to like it so much as I know it’s very good for the body, mind & soul. As I wasn’t able to exercise for the first week after my surgery, I challenged myself to a 31-day yoga practice. My friend Di showed me this online channel that follows a gentle yoga. One of my goals for this year was to stretch more and try a bit of meditation – this hits it all. I find starting my mornings with this gentle yoga, helps set the tone for the day and I’m more relaxed and happy for the day. And Adriene is just so completely adorable and her mantra is to honour where you are in the present – which is great for a yogi beginner like me and for seasoned pros like Di)
https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

“Cheezy” Basil pasta made by my friend Katy

Tofu Scramble Bowl made by Di

S’mores Bowls made by Di

Food
It’s important to fill our bodies with nourishing foods all of the time, but especially when we have inflammation in our bodies and/or are recovering from surgery or injury. I have been trying to make sure I have probiotics (kraut & coconut yogurt!) to counter balance the antibiotics I was given. I made soothing ginger lemon teas, ate lots of veggies & veggies. But I also had some not as nourishing things, like chocolate and take out food (especially since I wasn’t up for cooking) and I did this guilt free. I typically stress over everything that goes in my body, so this has been a welcome change. And I found myself incredibly grateful for the number of friends I had come by and make food or bring me food from my favourite places.

Sleep
So. Much. Extra. Sleep. I am one of those people that generally gets 8 hours of sleep a night. I can manage on 7, but 8 is my jam. I already know the importance of sleep. But after having surgery, I need more sleep – I’ve been sleeping about 9-10 hours a night. I was wondering if that was bad as the days wore on, but of course not. My body tells me what it needs if I just take the time to listen carefully, and my body is still trying to heal & repair itself.

I'm Kimmy, a holistic nutritionist on the path to healthy living and loving myself. I want to share my passion for kale and chocolate with you. I focus on allergy-friendly recipes and you will find some appetizing healthy eats as well as some delicious indulgences here. ♥